The days are getting shorter, but don't give up on summer yet! The 16th annual Bike the Bluff cycling event is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 8 - rain or shine. This popular neighborhood fundraiser gives participants the option to walk or ride a 4- or 6.5-mile loop around Magnolia, then enjoy a neighborhood picnic and a dip in Pop Mounger Pool.
The open-course ride will begin and end at the Mounger Pool parking lot on 32nd Avenue West. Same-day registration begins at 10 a.m., at which time the course is open. Participants may register and begin their ride any time after 10; the course officially closes at 2 p.m. Courtesy of Alpine Hut, a bicycle mechanic will be at the registration area, in case your bike needs a tweak before the ride.
Admission to the pool between noon and 2:25 that day is included in the Bike the Bluff registration fee. A neighborhood picnic will be offered in the pool parking lot courtesy of Magnolia Thriftway, with salmon, bratwurst, hot dogs and more available for individual purchase.
Official Bike the Bluff T-shirts will be for sale on the day of the event. For those who would like to suit up for the ride in advance, Bike the Bluff T-shirts are also available for purchase at LeRoux in the Village.
But wait, there's more! A special-edition "Fat Tire" Electra Cruiser adult bicycle has been donated as a raffle prize by New Belgium Brewing Company. The bike is on display at Magnolia Thriftway; $1 raffle tickets are available for purchase there or at Bike the Bluff. The drawing will be held at 2 p.m. on Sept. 8.
Registration fees are $12 for persons over 12, $6 for children 12 and younger, or $25 for a family. Since soccer season officially opens on Bike the Bluff day, some Magnolia families may feel they can't do both. Not so! You can begin your ride any time after 10 a.m., and the course stays open until 2. Or families may want to just take advantage of the neighborhood picnic for lunch; you don't have to ride the course to enjoy the barbecue.
But if you are riding, take note: HELMETS ARE REQUIRED!
Last year's Bike the Bluff attracted more than 150 participants and raised upwards of $5,000. Funds from this year's ride will be dedicated to landscaping and playground improvements at Catharine Blaine School.
Bike the Bluff would not be possible without the generous support of these community sponsors: GoLegs!, Madison Carnolia Cleaners, Ace Hardware, Jody Brennan Dentistry, Upper Crust Bakery, Schultz Miller Inc., Henry Simmons Salon, LeRoux, Rachelle Parke Windermere, Gim Wah Restaurant, Magnolia Eye Care, Magnolia's Bookstore, Porcelain Gallery, Read Products, Nikos Gyros, Mehrer Drywall, El Ranchon, Swanberg Carpentry, Magnolia Physical Therapy, Magnolia Village Chiropractic, Bleu Papillon, Northwest Pediatric Dentistry, Alpine Hut, Magnolia Thriftway and New Belgium Brewing Company.
For more information, go to www.bikethebluff. org
Nancy Gilbert resides in Magnolia.[[In-content Ad]]
